Pope Francis, at the age of 87, arrived in Indonesia on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a significant four-nation tour that highlights interfaith relations. This visit, his longest and farthest in 11 years as the head of the global Catholic Church, comes amid growing concerns about his health. The pontiff departed Rome on Monday and landed in Jakarta around midday local time on Tuesday, embarking on a 12-day journey that will cover approximately 32,000 kilometers (nearly 20,000 miles). This ambitious tour includes stops in Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore.
Focus on Religious Coexistence and Environmental Concerns
Indonesia, the first stop on this extensive tour, is a Muslim-majority nation where Catholics make up less than 3% of the population, about eight million people. Despite being a secular state, Indonesia officially recognizes six religions: Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism. On Thursday, Pope Francis is scheduled to meet with representatives from all six faiths at Istiqlal Mosque, Southeast Asia’s largest mosque and a symbol of religious coexistence. The mosque is connected to a nearby cathedral by a “tunnel of friendship,” emphasizing the nation’s commitment to religious harmony.
During this visit, Pope Francis will sign a joint declaration with the Grand Imam, Nasaruddin Umar, addressing the “dehumanization” brought about by violence, conflict, and environmental degradation, with particular emphasis on the impact on women and children. This statement aligns with the Pope’s ongoing advocacy for stronger global action against climate change, a pressing issue for Jakarta, a city increasingly threatened by rising sea levels and pollution.
Tight Security and Public Anticipation
Security measures are stringent for the Pope’s three-day visit, with over 4,000 law enforcement officers, including the military, police, and the president’s personal security detail, ensuring safety. In anticipation of his arrival, central Jakarta has been adorned with a billboard welcoming Pope Francis, and the government has issued a special commemorative stamp in his honor. The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs has praised the visit as a powerful symbol of the country’s religious diversity, underscoring Indonesia’s commitment to maintaining religious harmony.
Catholics Hope for a Strong Message Against Discrimination
This visit marks the third papal journey to Indonesia, following those by Pope Paul VI in 1970 and Pope John Paul II in 1989. Although the country officially recognizes multiple faiths, there are growing concerns about discrimination, particularly against Christians. Many local Catholics are hopeful that Pope Francis will address these issues during his visit.
Michel Chambon, a theologian and anthropologist at the National University of Singapore, noted that the Pope’s visit is primarily focused on reinforcing the importance of Islamic-Christian dialogue, a message he has previously delivered in other Muslim-majority nations, including Iraq, Bahrain, Turkey, and Morocco.
Meetings and Masses to Highlight the Tour
During his time in Indonesia, Pope Francis is expected to meet with the outgoing President Joko Widodo and engage with young people, diplomats, and clergy. He will also lead a mass at an 80,000-seat stadium, one of several such events planned throughout the tour, which marks the 45th overseas trip of his papacy.
Originally planned for 2020 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this tour comes just three months before Pope Francis’s 88th birthday. Despite health challenges, including recent hernia surgery and respiratory issues, the Pope remains committed to his global mission. He will be accompanied by his personal doctor and two nurses during the tour, though the Vatican has stated that no additional precautions have been taken.